Sep 07 2026

Rib Basket Recipe

Time3h
Serves4

Make Rib Basket Recipe in just 3h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Dry Rub & Seasoning

BBQ Sauce (for finishing)

Finish & Garnish

Method

Dry Rub & Seasoning

  1. 1

    Make the dry rub

    In a medium bowl combine brown sugar, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin and cayenne. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended and no large brown-sugar clumps remain.

Ribs & Prep

  1. 2

    Prepare ribs

    Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Rinse ribs and pat dry with paper towels. If membrane has not been removed, slide a knife under the membrane on the bone side and peel away. Trim any excess fat.

  2. 3

    Apply binder and rub

    Brush both sides of each rack lightly with yellow mustard (this acts as a binder and will not taste mustardy once cooked). Sprinkle a generous amount of the dry rub over both sides, pressing gently so it adheres. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of rub for later if you like.

  3. 4

    Arrange for cooking

    Place ribs meat-side up in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet or in a shallow roasting pan. Add apple juice, apple cider vinegar and water to the pan (this keeps ribs moist during cooking). Cover tightly with aluminum foil, sealing edges to create a steam environment.

  4. 5

    Slow-bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 2 1/2 hours for baby back ribs (until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone but not completely falling off). Check at 2 hours — ribs should be fork-tender. If using spare ribs or larger racks, increase time to 2 3/4–3 hours.

  5. 6

    Rest briefly

    Carefully remove the pan from the oven and discard liquids. Uncover and let ribs rest 10 minutes; this firms the crust slightly and makes saucing easier.

BBQ Sauce (for finishing)

  1. 7

    Make the sauce

    While ribs finish resting, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using) and black pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat just until the sugar dissolves and flavors meld, about 3–5 minutes. Do not boil aggressively.

  2. 8

    Sauce and glaze

    Preheat broiler or set grill to medium-high with indirect heat. Brush a generous layer of the warm BBQ sauce over the meat side of the racks. If using a broiler: place racks meat-side up under the broiler 4–6 inches from the element for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and caramelizing; watch closely to prevent burning. If using a grill: place ribs meat-side down over direct heat just long enough to caramelize (~1–2 minutes), then move to indirect heat to keep warm.

Finish & Garnish

  1. 9

    Rest and serve

    Remove glazed ribs and let rest 5 minutes. Cut between bones into individual ribs or leave as a basket-style presentation with 2–3 ribs per portion. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges on the side for optional brightness.

More from Hot Sands Oasis Tiki Bar and Grill